Hydraulic Pipe Handling Apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a pipe handling apparatus that hydraulically lifts up to sixteen (16) joints of pipe and/or other tubular items up to the work basket of a snubbing unit or a workover service rig located on an active well site in the oil and gas industry. The base and hydraulic pipe table of the apparatus, hydraulic pipe racks, hydraulic pipe loader and hydraulic pipe pusher are all hydraulically driven for a smooth, accurate motion. The height and length is adjustable to accommodate varying work basket heights and variable proximity to the well and snubbing/workover unit for length. The hydraulic pipe table has the ability to tilt from side to side for positioning the pipe to load and unload the hydraulic pipe table. The machine has a covered operator&#39;s tower that fully maneuvers all motions of the apparatus as well as kill switches; it is hauled via semi-truck with a fifth wheel hook up.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This present invention relates to the manipulation of up to sixteen (16) joints of pipe at a time and other tubular items that are commonly maneuvered on an oil and gas well site with a snubbing unit or workover rig attached to it for completion or reworking of the well. This invention is also hydraulically maneuvered vertically and horizontally for very smooth transportation of the pipe and other tubular items. It is the smooth movement that maintains the integrity of the pipe utilized. This pipe handling apparatus will be supplied with trained personnel to operate at all times.

2. Background of Related Art

In the oil and gas industry, pipe and other tubular items are regularly hoisted vertically from the pipe racks on the ground to the work basket which is 5 to 37 feet up the derrick (depending on the type of rig used), to be run downhole by the snubbing unit or workover rig from their work basket. There are also occasions when the process is reversed and the pipe must be retrieved from the work basket back down to the ground and placed on pipe racks.

Various patents have been issued to pipe handlers that typically only carry one (1) joint of pipe via a trough type carriage at a time and are chain driven. Such patents include:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,684,314 issued to Luth on Sep. 24, 1984

U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,766 issued to Boyadjieff on Apr. 26, 1985

U.S. Pat. No. 8,052,368 issued to Littlewood, Thieme on Sep. 23, 2008

U.S. Pat. No. 8,215,887 issued to Fikowski, Hunter, Brost on Nov. 1, 2010

U.S. Pat. No. 8,474,892 issued to Hanna on Jun. 13, 2012

Other patents for manipulating pipe are boom and cable type apparatuses which can be a danger to the rig hand and can potentially damage the pipe, as well as above one joint of pipe is transported at a time. Such patents include:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,918,636 issued to Orgeron on Oct. 24, 2007

U.S. Pat. No. 8,506,229 issued to Orgeron on Mar. 31, 2011

Both current pipe handling machine patents are confined to manipulating just one joint of pipe at a time and in most cases the derrick hand is waiting for the next joint of pipe to be hoisted up to him, impeding production and increasing risk factors due to the numerous trips to the work basket and back down to the pipe racks.

The oil and gas industry is a hazardous occupation, the need of reliable and safe manipulation of pipe and other tubular items is significantly warranted to maintain a safe work environment for all workers on the well site. In addition to; it is vital to keep production at its peak performance.

This invention satisfies both major components it increases productivity by manipulating up to sixteen (16) joints of pipe securely in a single trip without damaging the pipe and it accomplishes the safety factor by controlling the amount of round trips to the work basket as well as giving the derrick hand an additional escape route in case of an emergency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides novel pipe manipulation by the unique characteristics of my pipe handling apparatus, such as; my pipe handler has an operator's tower and it has a metal roof overhead for the operator's protection as well as an emergency shut down on all hydraulics at his fingertips and a kill switch on the motor should an occasion arise requiring such an action. The pipe delivery section (hydraulic pipe table) holds up to sixteen (16) joints of pipe or tubular items per trip to the work basket, the hydraulic pipe table doubles as an alternative escape route in case of an emergency for the derrick hand in the work basket. The loading arm can load up to 4 joints of pipe onto the hydraulic pipe table at a time reducing the time it takes to fully load the hydraulic pipe table. Because this machine lifts 16 joints of pipe/tubing at a time (current pipe handlers must make 16 trips to equal our 1) the reduction of trips increases productivity and saves wear and tear on the apparatus as well as increasing the safety aspect with reduced motion. My unit is raised and lowered as well as pipe delivery hydraulically rather than the chain driven ones currently used. This unit can also serve as a temporary pipe/tubing storage area.

A heavy truck outfitted with a fifth wheel hook up hauls and sets the pipe handling apparatus on a gas or oil well location. The operator levels out the apparatus via four (4) hydraulic cylinders around the base.

A loader hauls and places the pipe racks and the pipe rack stabilizer bar while the operator installs the pins to swing them into place. This step is completed on both sides of the apparatus for a total of four (4) times.

A loader loads the hydraulic pipe racks with the pipe or other tubular items being utilized by the snubbing unit or workover rig. The trained operator supplied for this pipe handling apparatus then hydraulically maneuvers the pipe rack to roll toward the hydraulic pipe loader and tilts the hydraulic pipe table to roll the pipe or other tubular items to the opposite side of the hydraulic pipe table for easy loading. The hydraulic pipe loader picks up four (4) joints of pipe or other tubular items and rolls them onto the hydraulic pipe table, this is repeated 3 more times. Now the hydraulic pipe table is full with sixteen (16) joints of pipe or other tubular items. The operator hydraulically lifts the hydraulic pipe gate to secure the load and levels out the hydraulic pipe table.

The operator sets the angle required to reach the work basket on the incline gauge, he then hydraulically lifts the pipe table vertical until the desired angle is achieved. The operator then engages the hydraulic pipe pusher to extend out to the work basket. It takes about two (2) minutes to load, lift and extend the table into place for the derrick hand.

The operator holds the aforementioned position until the derrick hand has used all sixteen (16) joints of pipe or other tubular items. Once the last joint has been removed from the hydraulic pipe table it is lowered back down to the base and the steps repeat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Side View Sheet 1 is the side view with the hydraulic pipe table in the lowered position from the operator station to the tail roller. This drawing shows the operator station, hydraulic pipe pusher, hydraulic bumper light bar, hydraulic pipe gates, hydraulic telescoping pipe table, hydraulic pipe racks, hydraulic leveling jacks, and hydraulic pipe loader as well as the main lift hydraulic cylinder and the trailer base.

Operator Station Sheet 1-1 is detailed close up drawing of the operator station from side view sheet 1.

Pipe Pusher Sheet 1-2 is a detailed close up drawing of the hydraulic pipe pusher from side view sheet 1.

Hydraulic Bumper Light Bar Sheet 1-3 is a detailed close up drawing of the hydraulic bumper light bar from side view sheet 1.

Hydraulic Pipe Gates Sheet 1-4 is a detailed close up drawing of the hydraulic pipe gates from side view sheet 1.

Hydraulic Telescoping Pipe Table Sheet 1-5 is a detailed close up drawing of the hydraulic telescoping pipe table from side view sheet 1.

Hydraulic Pipe Racks Sheet 1-6 is a detailed close up drawing of the hydraulic pipe racks from side view sheet 1.

Hydraulic Leveling Jacks Sheet 1-7 is a detailed close up drawing of the hydraulic leveling jacks from side view sheet 1.

Hydraulic Pipe Loader Sheet 1-8 is a detailed close up drawing of the hydraulic pipe loader from side view sheet 1.

Front View Sheet 2 with the hydraulic pipe table at the lowered position giving front view detail to the hydraulic pipe racks, bumper, stairs for the operator station, canopy of the operator station, hydraulic pipe pusher, hydraulic tank, hydraulic (telescoping) pipe table, and the hydraulic leveling jacks.

Side View Sheet 3 illustrates the hydraulic pipe handling apparatus with the hydraulic pipe table in the raised position via a side view.

3-D View Sheet 4 illustrates the pipe handling apparatus with the hydraulic pipe table elevated in a 3-D format.

Side View Sheet 5 illustrates the pipe handling apparatus with the hydraulic pipe table elevated and the hydraulic pipe pusher extended to telescope the hydraulic pipe table to the work basket of a snubbing unit or workover rig. The pipe or other tubular item is extended out for easy handling by the derrick hand in the work basket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Side View Drawing Sheet 1 and Supporting Detail Drawing Sheets

Referring to Side View Sheet 1, Illustrates the components of this invention, my pipe handling apparatus (sheet 1). The components listed are Operator Station Sheet 1-1, Hydraulic Pipe pusher Sheet 1-2, Hydraulic Bumper Light Bar Sheet 1-3, Hydraulic Pipe Gates Sheet 1-4, Hydraulic Telescoping Pipe Table Sheet 1-5, Hydraulic Pipe Racks Sheet 1-6, Hydraulic Leveling Jacks Sheet 1-7, Hydraulic Pipe Loader Sheet 1-8, Main Lift Hydraulic Cylinder Sheet 1, 1-A and the Trailer Base Sheet 1, 1-B.

Referring to the Operator Station Sheet 1-1, This sheet illustrates the location of the rig up/down hydraulic controls that maneuver the side hydraulic pipe gates (sheet 1-4) on the pipe table (sheet 1-5), tilt the pipe table (sheet 1-5) horizontally and maneuvers the hydraulic bumper light bar (sheet 1-3), main elevation controls (sheet 1-1) the ability to level the entire apparatus on location (sheet 1-7), pipe telescoping controls (sheet 1-1) that maneuver the hydraulic telescoping pipe table (sheet 1-5) and the hydraulic pipe pusher (sheet 1-2), lastly the table/pipe rack hydraulic controls (sheet 1-1) operate the hydraulic pipe racks on both the left and right side of the apparatus (sheet 1-6), lift the pipe table (sheet 1-5) vertically off the trailer base (sheet 1, 1-B) via the main lift hydraulic cylinder (sheet 1, 1-A). The operator station (sheet 1-1) has complete control over all hydraulically driven aspects of this pipe handling apparatus (sheet 1). The operator station (sheet 1-1) is constructed with welded steel compartments, height adjustable steel frame securing the stainless steel roof, as well as welded diamond plate steel for the floor of the station.

Referring to the Pipe Pusher Sheet 1-2, this drawing further illustrates the components of the hydraulic pipe pusher (sheet 1-2) which extends the pipe table (sheet 1) vertically to the work basket. The components are the hydraulic hose track (sheet 1-2), constructed from riveted stainless steel to provide flexibility during the extension process, the function of the hydraulic hose track (sheet 1-2) is to protect the rubber hydraulic hoses encapsulated inside the track. The pipe pusher scissor main assembly (sheet 1-2) is constructed from welded steel with metal pins to provide bendability, vertically when extended. The pipe pusher hydraulic cylinders (sheet 1-2) provide the pipe pusher (sheet 1-2) with hydraulically powered maneuverability. The pipe pusher head assembly (sheet 1-2) is constructed from welded steel which houses the pipe pusher gantry assembly (sheet 1-2) which is constructed from welded steel and supports the pipe pusher scissor assembly (sheet 1-2).

Referring to the Hydraulic Bumper Light Bar Sheet 1-3, this drawing further illustrates the components of the bumper with a main bumper bar (sheet 1-3) constructed from welded steel for strength. The LED lights (sheet 1-3) provide ample lighting for safe operation during dusk and dark hours. The DOT light assembly (sheet 1-3) has dual purpose, their first function is road worthy DOT regulated tail lights (sheet 1-3), brake lights and turn signals; their second functions is to visually alert personnel on the well site that the pipe handling apparatus (sheet 1) is in motion, audio alerts are present at this time as well. The main pivot shaft (sheet 1-3) is constructed from welded steel and allows the bumper assembly (sheet 1-3) to fold to the appropriate angle during operation of the pipe handling apparatus (Sheet 1) and return to the perpendicular position during transport for accurate use of the DOT light assembly (sheet 1-3).

Referring to the Hydraulic Pipe Gates Sheet 1-4, this drawing further illustrates the hydraulic pipe gates cylinder (sheet 1-4) which is constructed from welded steel. The hydraulic main gate tube (Sheet 1-5) is constructed from steel tubing. The hydraulic pipe gates pivot assembly (sheet 1-4) is constructed from welded steel with steel pins to achieve the ability to pivot. The function of the pipe gates (sheet 1-4) is to lower when loading pipe and raise to secure pipe on the hydraulic pipe table (sheet 1-5).

Referring to the Hydraulic Telescoping Pipe Table Sheet 1-5, this drawing illustrates in detail the components of the pipe table (sheet 1-5) constructed from welded steel with steel rollers which make smooth telescoping capability possible. The tail roller (sheet 1-5) is constructed from steel pipe which aides in the pipe removal process for the derrick hand in the work basket. The main lift hydraulic cylinder (Sheet 1, 1-A) provides smooth raising and lowering hydraulically driven maneuvers. The table base assembly (sheet 1-5) is constructed from welded steel and houses the telescoping roller assembly with the steel rollers in the aforementioned sentence. The tilting table top (sheet 1-5) is a maneuver to roll the pipe laying on the hydraulic pipe table (sheet 1-5) to the desired side of the hydraulic pipe table (sheet 1-5). The tilting table top (sheet 1-5) is a vital function of the pipe handling apparatus for the reason that the loading and unloading of pipe requires the pipe to roll in the desired direction to maintain quick yet safe pipe preparation and handling.

Referring to the Hydraulic Pipe Racks Sheet 1-6, this drawing further illustrates the components of the pipe racking and loading system. The pipe rack main frame on sheet 1-6 is constructed from welded steel tubing; its main function is to safely and securely hold the pipe which is being loaded or unloaded from the hydraulic pipe table (sheet 1-5). The pipe rack pivot assembly (sheet 1-6) allows the pipe racks to swing into the open position. The pipe rack support bars (sheet 1-6) stabilize the pipe rack main frame (sheet 1-6) from movement. The pipe rack hydraulic cylinder (sheet 1-6) hydraulically adjusts the pipe rack main frame from −5 degrees, to level, then to +5 degrees and anywhere in between to stabilize the pipe or roll the pipe to the appropriate side of the pipe rack. The pipe rack foot assembly (sheet 1-6) secures the pipe rack hydraulic cylinder (sheet 1-6) for safe and reliable movement.

Referring to the Hydraulic Leveling Jack's Sheet 1-7, this drawing illustrates in detail the components of the hydraulic leveling jack's. The outside main jack cylinder (sheet 1-7) houses the inside main jack cylinder, both are constructed from steel with steel fittings. The main jack support (sheet 1-7) is constructed from steel tubing and supports the main jack cylinder (sheet 1-7). The jack pivot assembly is welded steel fittings which allow the main jack support (sheet 1-7) to accurately level the pipe handling apparatus (sheet 1) as well as raise the hydraulic leveling jack's for transporting.

Referring to the Hydraulic Pipe Loader Sheet 1-8, this drawing illustrates in detail the hydraulic pipe loader; its function is to pick up the pipe (up to four (4) joints at a time) from the hydraulic pipe rack and roll them onto the hydraulic pipe table (sheet 1-5). The pipe loader main frame (sheet 1-8) is constructed from welded steel and is located on the hydraulic pipe table (sheet 1-5), it is adjustable; while in the upright position it locks the pipe onto the hydraulic pipe table and while in the lowered position it allows the pipe to roll onto or off of the hydraulic pipe table (sheet 1-5). The pipe loader locking pin (sheet 1-8) is metal and used during transport as a dual form of safety to securely lock the pipe loader down to the pipe table (sheet 1-5). The pipe loader swing arm (sheet 1-8) is constructed from welded steel and is the section that picks up and rolls the pipe onto the hydraulic pipe table (sheet 1-5). The hydraulic cylinder (sheet 1-8) is the metal cylinder that drives the loading arm. The pipe loader main shell (sheet 1-8) is the area that allows the pipe loader frame (sheet 1-8) to pivot while loading and unloading pipe.

Front View Drawing Sheet 2

Referring to the front view sheet 2, this drawing illustrates the hydraulic pipe table at the lowered position from the front view of the pipe handling apparatus (sheet 1). The canopy (sheet 2) is covering the operator station (sheet 1-1) and is constructed from stainless steel. The pipe pusher (sheet 1-2) from the front view. The hydraulic tank (sheet 2) is welded metal and contains the hydraulic fluid. The telescoping table (sheet 1-5) from the front view. The leveling jacks (sheet 1-7) from the front view. The bumper light bar (sheet 1-4) from the front view. The pipe racks (sheet 1-6) from the front view. The stairs (sheet 2) lead up to the operator station (sheet 1-1) and are constructed of welded steel.

Side View Sheet 3 Elevated Vertically

Referring to the side view sheet 3, this drawing illustrates the pipe handling apparatus from sheet 1, while elevating the hydraulic pipe table (sheet 1-5) vertically toward the work basket of a snubbing unit or workover rig.

3D View Sheet 4

Referring to the 3D view sheet 4, this drawing illustrates the pipe handling apparatus from sheet 1 in detail with the hydraulic pipe table (sheet 1-5) lifted vertically.

Side View Sheet 5

Referring to side view sheet 5, this drawing illustrates the pipe handling apparatus from sheet 1 in detail with the hydraulic pipe table (sheet 1-5) vertically elevated as well as the hydraulic pipe pusher (sheet 1-2) extending the hydraulic pipe table (sheet 1) out with the pipe or other tubular item ready for a derrick hand in the work basket to utilize.

The present invention accomplishes many enhancements that separate this invention over the prior art. The most prominent enhancement is that the hydraulic pipe table holds up to sixteen (16) joints of pipe or other tubular items in a single trip to the work basket. All prior inventions must make sixteen (16) trips to equal our one (1) trip. Through minimizing the number of trips to a work basket several issues become clearly beneficial such as increasing production by increasing the amount of pipe ready for the derrick hand in the workbasket to drive downhole. There is no down time waiting for pipe by the pipe handler, down time is a significant cost per hour on a well site. Safety is a top contender as well and the decreased trips up to the work basket and back down to the pipe racks is automatically going to decrease the chances of accidents and raise the safety factor to all the personnel on the well site. The pipe being handled is securely placed on a Hydraulic pipe table, this retains the integrity of the pipe utilized which also saves money, as for less pipe requires replacement due to damage. The hydraulically driven pipe handler loads, tilts, raises, telescopes, lowers and unloads the pipe very smoothly, this also is a safety factor. Pipe in a swaying or jerking motion is hazardous to all personnel on the well site. The hydraulic pipe table is a large flat surface that in the case of an emergency could be used as an alternate escape route. The dual pipe racks can be used as temporary pipe storage racks. This pipe handling apparatus is independent of the snubbing unit or workover rig. Neither the snubbing unit nor the workover rig require any modifications to accommodate this hydraulic pipe handling apparatus. This invention is transported via heavy truck equipped with a fifth wheel attachment and requires no special transporting permits.

The abovementioned disclosure and description of this invention is illustrative and descriptive thereof. Various modifications to the details of the illustrated structure can be made within the scope of the attached claims without deviating from the true nature of this invention. This invention should only be limited by the following statements and their legal counterparts. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. This Apparatus is for hydraulically handling, lifting and lowering multiple joints of pipe and other tubular items in a single trip. From one of the side pipe racks the hydraulic pipe loader transports four joints of pipe or tubing at a time onto the hydraulic pipe table, when the hydraulic pipe table is full (up to 16 joints of pipe) the operator lifts the hydraulic pipe gate to secure the load on the hydraulic pipe table and hydraulically hoists the table vertically to the appropriate angle then engages the hydraulically driven pipe pusher to the work basket of a snubbing unit or workover rig which is attached to the well head. The snubbing unit or workover rig then has up to sixteen joints of pipe or tubing at their disposal.
 2. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 1: For lifting or lowering the pipe to and from the unit on the well; the pipe is loaded on the side pipe racks, the operator adjusts the pipe rack hydraulically to roll toward the hydraulic pipe loader. This pipe handling apparatus can load and unload pipe from either side.
 3. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 2: Each side of the apparatus has a hydraulically powered pipe rack that can raise and lower, assisting with loading and unloading pipe or tubing.
 4. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 3: The hydraulic pipe loader is hydraulically raised and lowered to pick up and roll the pipe on and off the hydraulic pipe table.
 5. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 1: The base of the pipe handling apparatus is on a trailer type setting with dual tires in the rear.
 6. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 1: The hydraulic pipe table is lengthened hydraulically via welded, arched steel hydraulic pipe pusher that push the hydraulic telescoping pipe table out for extended length if needed.
 7. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 1: The hydraulic bumper light bar on the outside end of the hydraulic pipe table is equipped with a flashing red safety light bar as well as audio alerts when table is raising and lowering. LED lighting is also located on the hydraulic bumper for dusk and nighttime use.
 8. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 1: The operator's station is the control center for manipulating all hydraulic maneuvers
 9. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 8: The operator's station controls setting the appropriate angle of the elevated hydraulic pipe table.
 10. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 9: The operator's station controls all hydraulic kill switches for safety.
 11. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 10: The operator's station controls all safety kill switches on the diesel motor which controls the RPM.
 12. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 1: The RMP of the hydraulic diesel motor is driven via hand control and secondly via foot control at the operator's station.
 13. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 2: The right and left side pipe racks house two (2) hydraulic cylinders to raise or lower it on each side for a total of four (4) hydraulic cylinders.
 14. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 4: The base of the pipe handling apparatus utilizes a total of four (4) hydraulic cylinders, two (2) on each, the right and left side to achieve a level foundation for the unit to operate.
 15. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 2: The hydraulic pipe table is hydraulically lifted vertically via hydraulic cylinders with structural welded steel beams under the pipe table.
 16. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 15: The hydraulic pipe table lifts vertically via one (1) hydraulic cylinder on the right side and one (1) hydraulic cylinder on the left side.
 17. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 1: The hydraulic pipe table of the pipe handling machine can hold up to sixteen (16) joints of pipe or other tubular items per trip.
 18. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 1: The right and left rear dual tires each have a welded steel canopy.
 19. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 1: The right and left mid-section comprises a locked steel enclosed tool box.
 20. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 1: The raised hydraulic pipe table can be safely utilized as an alternative escape route if necessary for the derrick hand of a snubbing unit or workover rig.
 21. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 1: The axis of the hydraulic pipe table is adjustable.
 22. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 1: This apparatus is designed to handle and manipulate multiple joints pipe and other tubular items for a snubbing unit or workover rig that is on a well site. Its design enables the pipe handler to make one trip versus sixteen with other handlers. The reduction of trip rotations increase the safety factor as well as reduces wear and tear on the machine. The hydraulic pipe racks can become temporary storage for pipe and other tubular items.
 23. The pipe handling apparatus of claim 1: The pipe table hydraulically tilts from side to side, horizontally which rolls the pipe or other tubular items to or from the hydraulic pipe loader. 